While in Blacksburg, [Virginia], the teams were housed with local families, spent time at technology companies, met with Virginia Tech students and attended celebrations including the Tastes and Sounds of the Valleys Reception. The contest was held at the Dumas Center for Artistic & Cultural Development in Roanoke.

Last year's winner was an Irish company that wants to market an outdoor heater that burns wood pellets. Vincent Murray, an official at Ecosy, said he intends to launch the company in spring 2012.

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Citizens of the New River and Roanoke Valleys of Virginia attended the second annual VT KnowledgeWorks Global Student Business Concept Challenge on Thursday, August 25, 2011 at the Dumas Center in Roanoke, Virginia. Julie Newman was Master of Ceremonies. The finalist teams presented their business concept presentations to a panel of business leaders and competed for the $25,000 cash prize and VT KnowledgeWorks Global Challenge Trophy.